Oleksandr Usyk is not ruling out a future showdown with David Benavidez and sees him as an “interesting option”, his manager Sergey Lapin says.
Saudi Arabian boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh revealed he’d like to make an Usyk-Benavidez after the latter wiped out Zurdo Ramirez in six rounds to become the unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion on Saturday.
Usyk will first defend his WBC heavyweight world title against ex-kickboxing champion, Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23.
The 39-year-old unified heavyweight titlist previously said he has three fights remaining in his illustrious career and Lapin admits ‘The Mexican Monster’ could be an option.
“It could be a very interesting fight and definitely one that would attract a lot of attention from fans worldwide,” Lapin told proboxing-fans.com.
“Benavidez is a strong and aggressive fighter, but he comes from a different weight category, and that always plays a role at this level.
“At the same time, we are always open to big fights that make sense both competitively and commercially.
“It’s definitely an interesting option for Oleksandr.
“But at this stage of his career, every fight has to be the right one in terms of legacy, challenge and overall value.
“So it’s not just about interest, it has to make full sense on every level.
“Right now, all our focus is on the fight with Rico Verhoeven.
“We are not discussing any other fights at this stage.
“Once this is done, we will evaluate all options and move forward.”
Benavidez insists a clash with the Ukrainian great is not in his immediate plans.
The 29-year-old American plans to return to the light heavyweight division where he holds the WBC title to pursue an undisputed title battle with Dmitry Bivol.
“Right now that’s not possible for me in my eyes,” he said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“I want to be a reigning champion at 175 and cruiserweight.
“If I go up to heavyweight, I should forget about light heavyweight, because the weight difference is just way too big.
“But I’m never going to say never, because maybe in the future when I’m like 35, 36, we can go up to heavyweight.
“But right now, I’m just taking care of the cruiserweight and the light heavyweight division.”
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